Dragon*Con 2012: Part II -- Fan Tracks

Hello Beardies!

In my last post about Dragon*Con, I discussed attending authors.  With only one day left until the big day, I want to discuss one of the greatest features of the convention: Fan Tracks.  The events covered within the tracks include panels, seminars, workshops, film previews/showings, gaming, auctions, et cetera.  They are extensive, and nearly every aspect of Speculative Fiction is covered; whatever you're into, you'll most likely find it at Dragon*Con!

The Odyssey Writing Workshop

Greetings Everyone!

Today my Post will be discussing a great resource, one which I wish I had known about when I was only one state away from it!

All information below is summarized from the information provided on the workshop's website. 
All rights reserved by the original author.
Click the link above for more detailed information on the Odyssey Writing Workshop

The Odyssey Writing Workshop, directed by Jeanne Cavelos and widely considered one of the best in the world since its inception in 1996, is an intensive, six-week workshop to help writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror develop and improve their talent and work.  It is held each summer in Manchester, New Hampshire on the campus of Saint Anselm College, intended for published writers who want to improve their work and for writers whose work is nearing publishing quality.

Aside from the summer workshop, several online courses are offered each winter and are focused on specific elements of fiction writing.  The courses are both rigorous and demanding and range in levels from beginners to advanced.

In addition, Odyssey offers a professional-level critiquing service that is thorough, specific, and in depth.  Critiquers are graduates of the Odyssey Writing Workshop who have gone on to successful careers as professional writers.

Lastly, Odyssey offers many free resources as well, including but not limited to the following:

• Podcasts--audio excerpts of lectures by writers, editors, and agents posted every month or two.
• LiveJournal--monthly posts include writing advice and interviews with writers about the craft and career of writing.
• Writing & Publishing Tips--topics such as Punctuation, Outlining Plots and Characters, Standard Manuscript Format, and FAQs on Literary Agents posted directly on Odyssey's website.
• E-Newsletter--Quarterly newsletter which provides the latest updates and information on Odyssey programs, events, and graduates... as well as writing and publishing advice and alerts about new markets, agents, and resources.

You can follow The Odyssey Workshop on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out the link above for more information!

Happy Scribing, 

Clarion West Writing Workshop

Hello Again Everyone :)

While researching yesterday's post about George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones, I stumbled across a workshop I had not heard of before, and although the application deadline has passed as of midnight of March 1st, I thought I would share it with you all anyway.

The Clarion West Writing Workshop is an intensive, six-week workshop held annually in Seattle, Washington. The workshop is intended for writers who are pursuing professional writing careers in the genres of Fantasy & Science Fiction.

This year's workshop will be held June 17th through July 27th, and will feature instructors such as:

Hiromi Goto

Gavin Grant

Kelly Link

George R. R. Martin

Chuck Palahniuk

Mary Rosenblum

& 

Connnie Willis

Some more information about the background of Clarion West, cited directly from the workshop's website:

Short fiction is the workshop's focus, with emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. You should come prepared to write several new stories during the course of the workshop, to experiment and take artistic risks, and to give and receive constructive criticism.

Each week the workshop is taught by a different instructor, each a highly regarded author or editor offering their unique perspective on the field. Class size is limited to 18 students. Instructors work closely with students, critiquing stories, leading class discussions on technique and other professional concerns, and holding individual or small group conferences. Drawing on Seattle's vibrant SF community, the workshop also presents informal sessions with acclaimed area authors.

You will come away from the workshop with essential tools for improving your writing: good writing habits, the ability to analyze and critique others' stories and to evaluate critiques of your own work, and a set of friendships and professional contacts that can last a lifetime.

The names of the instructors for the 2013 Workshop will be posted on July 26th, 2012, and the workshop will begin accepting applications for the 2013 season starting in December 2012.

Meanwhile, for those who missed this year's deadline, Clarion West offers a One-Day Workshop series continues on April 15th with Nicola Griffith, and May 6th with Cat Rambo.  All classes still take place in Seattle's University District and are limited to twelve (12) students, which are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Enrollment cost of $125 is non-refundable, and for those who are full-time students, there is a $15 rebate at workshop session.

For more information on any of Clarion West's workshops, please visit their website HERE.  Also, feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the workshops.

Until next time,